From the author of Emily’s House comes a “compelling, emotionally gripping”* novel of historical fiction—perfect for readers of America’s First Daughter.Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1676. Even before Mary Rowlandson was captured by Indians on a winter day of violence and terror, she sometimes found herself in conflict with her rigid Puritan community. Now, her home destroyed, her children lost to … home destroyed, her children lost to her, she has been sold into the service of a powerful woman tribal leader, made a pawn in the ongoing bloody struggle between English settlers and native people.
Battling cold, hunger, and exhaustion, Mary witnesses harrowing brutality but also unexpected kindness. To her confused surprise, she is drawn to her captors’ open and straightforward way of life, a feeling further complicated by her attraction to a generous, protective English-speaking native known as James Printer. All her life, Mary has been taught to fear God, submit to her husband, and abhor Indians. Now, having lived on the other side of the forest, she begins to question the edicts that have guided her, torn between the life she knew and the wisdom the natives have shown her.
Based on the compelling true narrative of Mary Rowlandson, Flight of the Sparrow is an evocative tale that transports the reader to a little-known time in early America and explores the real meanings of freedom, faith, and acceptance.
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Very good read. Have already recommended this to a friend.
This book did not end the way I wanted or expected, but I enjoyed it all the same. I did not know that is was based on real characters and events until I got to the end notes. If you are open-minded enough, you might be able to take a hard look at religious beliefs and practices, the treatment of women at the time of the story and now, what freedom means and who the “savages” really are.
Interesting historical fiction depicting the Puritans and some Indian tribes that I hadn’t heard of before.
I particularly liked the psychology behind her coming to terms with having lived with the Indians, the simplicity, the respect, the love of family, love of outdoors, etc.
One of the best books I’ve ever read!
This is a riviting, well written story based on actual events that happened early in the beginning years of the our nation’s development. It involves the clash between cultures and a very personal encounter. I loved this book.
It was a bit heavy-handed on the hypocrisy of the Puritan mindset (I agree with the author, but still heavy).
The contrasts between the colonists’ and the natives’ lifestyles was well-portrayed. I empathized with the heroine, and grieved for her losses. The ending made me feel better for her, at least.
I’ve studied enough colonial American history to recognize that the atrocities were actually underplayed in the book, but it is a very accessible way for someone to learn what the fundamentalist Europeans did (and still do) to those they deem less than human.
This gave a good representation of life on the early American frontier that isn’t viewed much. It is the woman’s perspective and the Native Indians’ perspectives that are rarely seen, and is a factual book!
Living in Mass. and knowing that just one town over is where the story takes place interested me. The town I live in was a part of Lancaster, many years ago. I never really knew why the school was given the name, it is ! Makes such sense ……I have taken my children sliding down George Hill, another place from this book! The Sparrow is a great historical read, full of love, survival, hatred, and friendship among Indians and the white man!
I felt sorry for the woman whose husband used religion as a means to serve his purpose!
Gripping story. Great historical detail. But this was also a thought provoking read as this frontier wife confronts the confines and freedoms of women in her own society and among the uncivilized tribe that holds her captive. Just a great read.
Best historical fiction (based on fact) that I’ve read in years! Can’t wait for more by this author
Wow! An amazing read and I couldn’t put it down!
Very entertaining and an “I can’t put it down” type of book!
I liked the comparison of culture between the American Indians and the settlers. Whose culture was better – is a question this book looks at. I recommend it.
A great reflection of how difficult life was for the Puritan woman living under harsh restrictions under stern men with narrow views of right and wrong and very rigid religious mandates. After being kidnapped by natives, she recognizes how much more freedom and joy the native women share in their culture. When she is sold back to her family, she views her life so differently and questions many aspects of her own culture in her stride for more independence.
This author was new to me. I thought she did a very good job with the depth of her characters and painting a picture of life in this time period. I would have liked the story to have a deeper spiritual sense; nonetheless, I enjoyed it very much.
Loved the story..the history , adventure.. a real page turner
Captive by Indians story. Living with the Indians the heroine, a pastor’s wife, discovers the holes in her own relationship and culture. She doesn’t want to go home.
One of my all time favorite books. Exceptional Historical details of a very difficult time period for puritans and Indians. Loved that Flight of a Sparrow was based on a true story. Not a dull history story but vibrant and alive with many unexpected twists and turns. This book is a keeper worthy of reading again and an author to follow.